Chemical Engineering at University of Idaho

University of Idaho's chemical engineering program delivers strong first-year outcomes at $75,915—notably above the $72,974 national median—while keeping debt remarkably low at $27,000. That 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly four months' salary, which is exceptional for an engineering degree. The earnings trajectory looks solid too, climbing to $82,397 by year four, a 9% gain that suggests stable career progression rather than the salary plateau some programs face.

The caveat here is significant: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so these numbers could shift considerably with a larger sample. As the only chemical engineering program in Idaho, there's no in-state comparison to validate these results. Still, the combination of above-average starting salaries and bottom-5th-percentile debt nationally points to a program that doesn't overburden its graduates. For students seeking a chemical engineering degree close to home in the Northwest, this represents a low-risk financial proposition—assuming the small class sizes don't reflect enrollment challenges that might limit networking or campus recruiting opportunities.

The accessible 79% admission rate makes this achievable for most serious applicants, and the debt management alone makes it worth serious consideration if your child is committed to chemical engineering and prefers Idaho's lower cost of living.